The merging of the social justice and housing briefs in the Scottish Cabinet is “deflating”, according to the director of Shelter Scotland. Shirley-Anne Somerville has been appointed as the new Social Justice and Housing Secretary in the Scottish Government by First Minister John Swinney during a reshuffle of his top team on Wednesday.
Previously, the housing brief was a standalone role held by Mairi McAllan, while Ms Somerville served as the standalone social justice secretary. Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, assistant director at Shelter Scotland, expressed concerns that without a “dedicated seat at the table”, housing organisations will need “to keep speaking out” to ensure action is taken.
Concerns over downgraded housing role
Mr Llewellyn-MacRae stated: “It is incredibly deflating to see housing downgraded from a specific Cabinet post to a shared portfolio and the standalone housing minister effectively downgraded to a junior role. Playing ‘hokey cokey’ with a dedicated minister in then out of the Cabinet does nothing to build confidence that ending the housing emergency remains a top priority for the new Government.”
He added: “At Shelter Scotland we of course look forward to working with Shirley-Anne Somerville on the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan. We broadly support their plan for more homes, protecting homelessness rights and tackling the racism and bias in our housing system. She is experienced at juggling the competing demands of Scotland’s social security system and worsening housing emergency. But without a dedicated seat at the table, housing organisations will need to keep speaking out if we are to see manifesto pledges turned into action.”
Positive reception from Crisis Scotland
However, poverty charity Crisis Scotland welcomed the appointment. Maeve McGoldrick, its head of policy and communications, said: “We warmly welcome the appointment of Shirley-Anne Somerville to the role of Social Justice and Housing Secretary at such an important time for Scotland. We look forward to working closely and constructively with her and the Scottish Government in the years ahead to help turn the shared ambition of ending homelessness by 2040 into a reality.”
She continued: “Scotland’s housing emergency continues to affect far too many people and families. Thousands remain trapped in temporary accommodation, while housing insecurity is pushing more people into poverty and placing increasing pressure on frontline homelessness services.”
The charity noted that the merged Cabinet position creates an “opportunity to take a more joined-up strategic approach” to poverty and homelessness. Ms McGoldrick added: “Stronger alignment between housing supply, homelessness prevention and wider family support can help ensure that housing stability sits at the heart of efforts to support people and communities across Scotland. There is a real opportunity now to build momentum behind the commitments made to end homelessness and ensure they are matched by the leadership, investment and long-term action needed to create lasting change. We stand ready to play our part in supporting that work. If Scotland is serious about ending poverty, it must also be serious about ending homelessness. The two are inseparable, and we are committed to working with partners across government and beyond to help deliver a future where everyone has a safe, secure home.”
Somerville's vision
Ms Somerville said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, bringing together our ambitious agenda on poverty and housing into one Cabinet position. Housing is the single biggest cost many families face every month – and everyone must have a safe, secure and warm home. I am looking forward to ensuring access to affordable, high-quality housing for all, and delivering on commitments such as our new housing agency, and £10,000 for first-time buyers.”
